Derrington 2012 thesis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online
Derrington 2012 thesis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online
Derrington 2012 thesis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online
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7.7.5 On the impact of music therapy: The Centre School students<br />
“Gives me a break” (appendix 7.1.14, p.306)<br />
On the whole, when asked about how music therapy had helped them, The Centre<br />
School students were not as able as the mainstream students, to articulate the impact<br />
it had had. Their answers were often monosyllabic so the interviewer had to find<br />
different ways of approaching the same question. Despite this, they confirmed that<br />
music therapy had made a difference and a few could explain it. For example, Clare<br />
said: “Lessons they can sometimes be boring but when you do music you can let your<br />
expressions out onto it. So like say if there was a sad song, you feel the feelings in<br />
it…It’s actually made me a lot happier and has got me…what’s the word Better”<br />
(appendix 7.1.20, p.358).<br />
The sense of having free time and fun was important to them. “It’s fun. It’s like a<br />
good way of expressing your feelings and that” (Rory, appendix 7.1.36, p.491). Iain<br />
said that he gradually chilled out in music therapy and noticed that he felt different<br />
with this change. It helped him by giving him a break “Helps me relax, don’t get<br />
annoyed with any lessons” (appendix 7.1.14, p.306). He said he felt generally better<br />
since having music therapy and referred to the freedom in sessions. He liked the fact<br />
that there were no rules but he knew what to do: “Play and that’s it” (appendix 7.1.14,<br />
p.305). Music mattered to Iain and he had aspirations to be a music teacher. He felt<br />
that the most important thing about music therapy was learning, being able to play,<br />
trying things out and working hard. He said:<br />
“It’s relaxing, chilling out time”<br />
[…] Do you feel chilled out straight away<br />
“It just happens” (appendix 7.1.14, p.305).<br />
Chris said that music therapy “helped me learn more about myself in music. I learned<br />
to control myself when I play the instruments. I just get lost in the music” (appendix<br />
7.1.24, p.386). This is a particularly powerful quotation considering these students<br />
often find it very difficult to put their feelings into words.<br />
“What’s the point in music therapy” Jamie asked at the start of his interview. Then<br />
later on, when he was asked whether music therapy had helped him, he replied: “Not<br />
! "*&!
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